2014 Novels, & Christmassy Reading...

Happy Friday All,

This week has been filled with appointments pretty much every day so I've been kept on my toes.

With Christmas on its way and the end of the year coming, I thought I'd give a look at some of my favorite novels that were released in 2014 (besides my own, of course LOL).

In no particular order, here are some of my favorite novels published in 2014:

YA Category:

CC Hunter's Eternal This is book number 2 in C.C.'s Shadow Falls

After Dark series, featuring vampire Della Tsang. I love how underneath all her prickles and walls, Della feels deeply and is an incredibly loyal person. She's strong, sassy, but also vulnerable. I recommend reading C.C.'s Shadow Falls series, first, before reading Della's stories because these books happen after the events in the first novels. Of course, I recommend reading any of C.C.'s novels! She's an incredibly talented author. To check out my official blog book review of this novel, click here.

Katie McGarry's Breaking The Rules. If you're a fan of her Pushing

The Limits featuring Echo and Noah, then you'll be glad for this novel. Katie's writing is gritty, edgy, honest, and emotional. I don't read a lot of contemporary YA, but I make an exceptions for Katie's novels simply because of her talent and ability to draw a reader into her characters and sympathize with them.

Jennifer L. Aremntrout's Opposition. The final installment in Jennifer's Lux series came out in August and there were several

surprises, but a satisfying ending. I'm not usually into aliens, but Jennifer's work drew me in. I enjoyed Daemon's attitude and him and Katy's relationship.

These are just the YA's that stood out in my mind. It doesn't mean there wasn't any other notable YAs that were released in 2014.

Paranormal Romance:

Anne B. Cole's Souls Entwined. An intriguing and imaginative story. By the end I was fascinated with Anne's imagination and wondered what she'd come up with next. She certainly has unique ideas. I believe she'll pleasantly surprise readers. And nothing is more fun than getting a pleasant surprise from a novel! I have an official blog book review of this novel, which you can find here.

Marie  Hall's Rumpel's Prize. I'm a huge fan of Rumpel & Belle on the show Once Upon A Time, so when I heard about Marie's novel, I was interested to see what kind of spin she'd put on the Rumpelstiltskin story. I was not disappointed. As always, Marie

took a recognizable fairy-tale character and made it her own. I've loved the Kingdom series and haven't been disappointed by her writing. I still have to read Hood's Obsession and Her One Wish, but I plan to. Check out my review of this novel here.


I still have a huge TBR (To Be Read) pile although some are not 2014 releases. This doesn't reflect all the books I've read and/or enjoyed this year, but they stand out.

Now, since we are in the Christmas Season, let me recommend some seasonal reading from all different publication dates (and in no particular order):

Christie Craig's The Cop Who Stole Christmas--a humorous tale released in 2013, that had all the right hallmarks of a Christie novel--romance, suspense, and humor. Lots of fun, with a holiday twist.

Debbie Macomber's The Perfect Christmas, released in 2011. One of my favorite Christmas novels. Debbie has written several Christmas ones, but I especially loved this one. It involves a matchmaker who matches everyone up to their "most suitable" match, but doesn't see any love for himself, until an opinionated woman enters his life and turns it upside down. Heartwarming and fun.

The Night Before Christmas--various editions. I love this poem. So much fun. My offspring has a version of this story that I've read a loud and there's been giggling and great interest in it.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Various editions have been published over the years, even though Dickens has been dead for a long time. To me, that says a lot about the man's writing. I'm a big fan of A Tale Of Two Cities, and this story brings back memories of my father reading a version of it to me and my siblings at Christmas time. I wasn't ever a fan of the Ghost of Christmas-Yet-To-Come, but the message is a great one, and the story is worth sharing.

Kerrelyn Sparks' All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire. If you're a fan of her Love At Stake series, you don't want to miss this one.  It was published in 2008. This novel is Ian MacPhie's story,which ties in Christmas, Kerrelyn's humor, and vampires all in one novel.

Lisa Scott's Holiday Rush--part of her Holiday Flirts! Set (which I haven't read the rest yet, I got Holiday Rush free on my E-reader--I think she was running a special offer at the time that I got the novelette on my E-Reader). This short story, published in 2011, is a fun, quick read, with a Christmas spirit, and Romance. I always wish her short stories were longer, but that would be why they're called Flirts. I've read several of her short stories and have enjoyed every one.

Of course, being a Roman Catholic Christian, I recommend the Gospel readings in the Bible of Jesus's birth. My favorite is Luke's rendition of the Nativity story.

I love Christmas stories and wish I could get one written. I've tried over the years, but they never came out quite right. Maybe someday, though!

What are some of your favorite 2014 releases and Christmas novels?

Have A Fabulously Festive Friday!

Updates, Stories, & More...

Happy Monday All,

I finally got Book Three out to my critiquers, so I'm awaiting their notes, however, I'm staying busy!

This week is full of appointments and things, but not just that, I plan to work on critiquing a novel for another author, and work on this other project I have going. Plus be pregnant. But that's a constant for now.

I'm almost ready for Christmas. Got a few more things to take care of, but I knocked out some of it over the weekend, which was good. How about you?

Recently I read Katie McGarry's new YA novel, Breaking The Rules. I really enjoyed it. The way she pulls in emotion is incredible. Her novels are gritty and have an honesty about them that pulls the reader in.

Once Upon A Time had it's winter finale Sunday night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a heart-wrenching episode that leaves me really looking forward to March 1st when it starts back up with with the second half of the season. In my opinion, this season has shaped up nicely. And yes, I had been expecting the "showdown" between Belle and Rumpel for a long time--but it was hard to watch just the same. :-(

One thing I love about this time of year is when authors get festive. And I was happily surprised that author Beth Fantaskey jumped aboard and gave us Jess and Lucius fans a little "stocking stuffer" (as she put it) of a story as a guest post for Star Shadow Blog. It was really sweet and fun to read up on those characters again. I really enjoyed Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side and Jessica Rules The Dark Side. I've read the wedding story, too. I really enjoy those characters.

I'd love to do a short story of Jason and Laney at Christmas time, but I can't do it this year--sorry! But I think it would be fun. I've always loved the idea of doing a Christmas story, I've just never had one that worked.

Anyway, that's what's going on right now. What's up in your world?

Have A Magically Merry Monday!

Magic, Time Travel, Curses & Romance...

Happy Friday Everybody!

Well, we've done it! Made it through another work week...although, just because it's the weekend doesn't mean my work week ends. If the writing/editing/critiquing/whatever I have to do isn't done, I work on the weekends, too. In fact, I almost work every day unless I really feel bad/exhausted. Otherwise, it wouldn't get done.

Another hardworking author is Anne B. Cole, whose Souls Entwined is today's blog book review (another way overdue one!)

Sam Daggett isn't sure what to think when he meets Gretta Dobbs aka "Purple Shorts" (before he knows her name). But soon, he learns she's

strong, determined, and dealing with a serious mystery. One that has plagued her family for generations.

Gretta's family ring is cursed. But what kind of curse and how to break it, not even the spirits of her ancestors (who visit Sam and Gretta) know.

By sending Gretta and Sam's souls back in time into Gretta's ancestors' bodies the two are given the chance to uncover what happened and why the ring was cursed and what kind of curse it was.

Slung back to 1800's Greece, a time full of dangerous pirates, slavery, and adventure, into the bodies of Lorenzo and Anya, Sam and Gretta work to uncover the secrets behind the family, the ring, and the curse (or is it, curses?)

They're not supposed to change the past.

Survival isn't guaranteed.

Can these two young people figure out what's going on before it's too late for them...and Gretta's family?

Enter the world of Souls Entwined, the first in author Anne B. Cole's intriguing and engrossing Paranormal Romantic series.

Souls Entwined is available on Amazon Kindle for your reading pleasure.

Have A Fantastically Festive Friday!

Dreams, Fae, & Book Review...

Happy Thursday All,

I'm overdue for posting this, but I plead life and other things as the reason this hasn't gone up. I don't have an assistant, so I probably need to start keeping a log of To Do list for this blog. (Hey there's a New Year's Resolution right there!)

Anyway, I do want to introduce to you all a novel by author Larynn Ford. Since this is a promised review, it's an official blog book review.

Lynzi Lancaster didn't figure herself for a target until several life threatening incidents happen...all in one week. Who would want to hurt her?

Then there's the dreams. Layne Brady has been long gone out of her life for twenty years. Now all of a sudden she can't get him out of her mind or her dreams.

Magic and reality clash as Lynzi works to make sense out of what's happening to her and Layne struggles to prove that he is very much alive, and still loves her deeply.

If you like a twist on contemporary/western with a hint of the Fae, you'll find In My Wildest Dreams intriguing. I'm always into the unique, and this one definitely delivers.

And, it's on sale! So you can grab yourself a copy from Amazon Kindle today.

For paperback versions check out Amazon paperback and Barnes & Noble.

Have A Totally Twinkly Thursday!

Edits, Real Life, & What Are You Reading?

Happy Wednesday All,

I'm afraid posting on the blog will be sporadic during this month due to edits, appointments, and other real life things.

However, I did want to mention I'm now on Instagram. Yeah, I know, it took me a while, but I'm there. I don't post a lot, but I'm going to try and remedy that. You can find me as bethany(dot)averie.

There's a couple of books I've finished reading that I plan to talk about on here. One is official, because I promised the author. The other is just because I liked the book so much I decided I'd blog about it.

Currently I'm reading more than one book, but trying to finish the first as soon as possible. I'm reading:

Anne B. Cole's Souls Entwined -- so far, very imaginative. And

interesting concepts. I also like the paranormal elements.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet If you've watched the YouTube series, then you know what I'm talking about. And yes, so far, it's good. It's nice to see a little more than just what you see online (videos, tweets, that kind of thing).

So what are you reading these days?

Well, back to the edit cave and all the things going on in my real life.

Have A Whimsical Wonderland Wednesday!

At Long Last...COVER REVEAL!

Happy Thursday & Friday All,

Because of editing, I won't be posting again this week. However, I did promise something special, and I'm delivering.

As you all know, the Immortal Dreams Trilogy is coming to a close. (please don't cry!) Book One, Divine Love, and Book Two, Astral Love, are both available on Amazon Kindle. I'm hoping Divine Love will go to paperback hopefully soon, but I don't know when.



I've enjoyed taking this journey. Laney and Jason have become like old friends to me. And, I think they complement each other well. Jason encourages Laney's strength and bravery, and she keeps him grounded and gives him a reason to be heroic.

Which is good, because in Book Three, they're going to need each other. I mean, they seriously, really will, without-a-doubt, need each other.  I've thrown everything I could come up with at these two in this final installment and they refuse to give up. No matter what they're facing, no matter how frustrated they get, they keep going. That's one of the things I love about them.

So, drum roll and cymbals please!

Introducing the cover art for the final installment of the Immortal Dreams Trilogy! I give you Immortal Dreams, Book Three: Immortal Love:

Isn't it awesome? I love it.

Look carefully at the bottom. Doesn't that look ominous? Fiona Jayde has once again done a fantastic job. I've loved all the covers she's made for each of the novels. And, this one definitely embodies what Laney and Jason face.

So far, it looks like Immortal Love will release March of 2015. I'll let you know if anything changes. Unfortunately, due to several things, the date had to be pushed back from January. I apologize, but sometimes things happen. And well...this time, a lot of things I hadn't bargained on, happened. Not necessarily really bad, but they did get in the way of things moving as fast as I originally planned. (And yes, it was all on me--not my publisher's fault. Although, my publisher has been incredibly understanding and patient with me, for which I'm most grateful--they know I'm pregnant and the pregnancy played a huge role in putting me behind schedule).

I'm a little sad to say goodbye to Laney and Jason. But, you never know...maybe someday I'll revisit my Immortals. But I'm going to take a little break. You see, there is a particular project that I've never seemed able to finish writing in nearly 6 years (And if any of my Girls' Night Out ladies are reading this--DO NOT SAY ANYTHING! Yes, it's the one you're thinking of, but I'm not revealing the story right now). It's become clear it's time to try and finish it. I've had the illustrious Tess St. John and some of friends begging for me to finish this novel, and I think I've kept everyone waiting long enough. So I'm going to work on that one. This time, hopefully I'll actually FINISH the novel, then it can be edited, critiqued, and hopefully one day...published!

Thank you to all my loyal and enthusiastic readers for joining me thus far. Hang on, because just because the Trilogy is coming to an

Doesn't this photo look like
I'm plotting something?
Well I am!

end does NOT mean this is the end. You never know what next I'll come up with next. There are many things brewing in my head and I can't wait to see where they take me. :-)

And yes, I'll be doing more blog posts at some point, just not this week. Maybe even a giveaway or two in the (near) future. You'll just have to wait and see!

Have A Thrillingly Twinkly Thursday and A Fabulously Festive Friday! Also, enjoy your weekend.

You've Gone And Scorched The Eggs...

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

I thought I only had two special blog posts this week, but it turns out I was wrong! Another one has been added.


In the spirit of Christmas surprises, I give you a book review of author Laura Childs' newest release:

Things are bubbling and boiling merrily at the Cackleberry Club Diner, that is, until Suzanne (one of the proprietors) finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. And all she wanted to do was get her hair done!

However, hair will have to wait when the salon and the neighboring buildings go up in flames. But who started the fire that killed Hannah Venable?

Sheriff Doogie callsn an arson-investigator to have a look at the evidence to uncover the who-done-it.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects includes fellow Cackleberry Club employee, Kit's fiance. But did Ricky do it? Or was it hot-headed Marty Wolfson? Perhaps the victim's two-timing husband was the culprit?

While Suzanne juggles plates and Petra's yummy offerings at the Cackleberry Club Diner, she also keeps an eye on the ongoing investigation determined to uncover the guilty party.

However, when she becomes a target, will she even live to point the finger at the responsible party or will she join Hannah Venable in pushing up daisies?

Only one way to find out...pick up your very own copy of Laura Childs' newest Cackleberry Club Mystery novel, Scorched Eggs today.

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!